the 2010 census counted more than 50 million latinos in the united states. new mexico's former governor, bill richardson, who ran for president himself in 2008, says a threshold has been crossed. >> we're the real deal now. we've been the sleeping giant, but we've woken up, just because of our numbers. >> suarez: turnout is key. on average, latinos have lower incomes than other americans, lower education levels, and are younger than other americans. that fits the profile of all of which are part of the profile of non-voters. >> i think the challenge for the president and the democrats is to have at least the turn out they had four years ago, for any democrat to be elected president, you need 65% of the latino vote, if you go under, you are in trouble. >> suarez: the governor is relieved marco rubio isn't the g.o.p. vice presidential nominee, and that a close election goes to the president. today first lady michelle obama visited a gathering of latino delegates and elected officials. >> all of our ciz deser